February 24, 2020 1:30 p.m.
Oregon’s Senate Republicans are leaving the state again over proposed Cap and Trade legislation.
A release from the Oregon Senate Republicans accused Senate President Peter Courtney of using partisan politics to move the legislation forward. Monday Courtney joined the Senate Joint Ways and Means Committee, in order to move SB 1530 out of committee and onto the Senate floor.
Late Monday morning, Senate Republican Leader Herman Baertschiger issued a statement saying, “Senator Courtney’s actions leave no other option for Senate Republicans but to boycott and deny quorum because cap and trade is on the way to the Senate floor”. His statement continued, saying “Senate Democrats refused to work with Republicans and denied every amendment that was presented”. Baertschiger said the situation was a true example of partisan politics. He continued the GOP call to let voters decide the issue. His statement went on to say, “the Democrats are willfully ignoring 26 counties and one district, representing nearly two million Oregonians that have signed proclamations against cap and trade, to push their agenda”.
With the walkout underway, State Senator Dallas Heard, who lives in the Winston area and represents Senate District Number 1, told News Radio 1240 KQEN that most GOP Senators did not even tell each other where they were going. Heard said “its better that way”. Heard will talk about the walkout on Inside Douglas County, Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. on News Radio 1240 KQEN.